CES is always a playground for innovation, but sometimes I wonder if companies are solving real problems or just flexing their tech muscles. Lockin's new vein-recognizing smart lock/doorbell combo definitely falls into the latter category. Wireless charging via an infrared beam? Finger vein unlock? It's peak CES, alright.
Wireless Charging: Clever, But Necessary?
Lockin's approach to solving the smart lock power drain is certainly unique. Engadget reports the lock charges wirelessly via an infrared beam, with a base station plugged into an indoor outlet. Certifications ensure it won't fry your eyeballs if you walk in front of it, which is reassuring, I guess. A cheaper, video-free version with wireless charging will run you $350, shipping in April, but the flagship's price remains a mystery – and that’s a red flag right off the bat.
While the wireless charging is innovative, I question its real-world benefit. How often do smart lock batteries actually die? Is this solving a problem that most users even have? I’d rather a simple, easily replaceable battery than another gadget blasting infrared in my house.
Feature Overload: The Achilles Heel of Smart Home Tech
The Lockin V7 Max boasts a laundry list of features: video doorbell, AI recognition, touchscreen, and vein/facial recognition. It integrates with major smart home ecosystems, but relies on its own app for advanced AI, like package recognition. This is where things get messy. Too many features often translate to a poor user experience and app bloat. I’d prefer a streamlined device that does a few things well. The mortise lock design, requiring professional installation, further complicates the matter.
The Verdict: Cool Demo, Questionable Value
Lockin's smart lock is undeniably impressive from a tech perspective. But the real-world performance and value proposition remain to be seen. The undisclosed price is a major red flag. Until I can test the device myself and assess its ease of use, reliability, and actual benefit to the average consumer, I remain skeptical. Right now, it feels like a solution in search of a problem, and that's rarely a recipe for success in the smart home market. Perhaps I'll be singing a different tune after a full review, but for now, I'd advise consumers to wait and see if this tech actually delivers on its promises.